Logan nodded. ‘Yeah, I need to see her, talk to her. Figure out what the hell happened all these years.’Heath concurred. ‘Well, my friend, it looks like your life just got a whole lot more complicated. You do realise that with Sirena alive, your marriage with her still stands, right?’‘Then I’ll just have to get a divorce.’The next day, Logan approached the Barretts’ house with a mix of anticipation and nervousness.The last time he saw Sirena Barrett, she was a vivacious 21-year-old with a penchant for impulsive decisions.She loved fun and excitement, and had a way of always getting herself into trouble.Her relationship with Logan was on again, off again, interspersed with fights and make-ups and more fights.Try as he might, Logan couldn’t recall the reason for their last argument.As he stood at the doorstep, Logan’s memories collided with the present reality.The door swung open, and there stood Sirena, now 26 years old.‘Logan!’ she threw herself into his arms.The changes in
Ralph’s tone turned hostile, a father defending his daughter, wounded by the perceived abandonment.He’d hoped that once Logan saw Sirena again, he’d change his mind about the divorce.After all, back when they were dating, Logan was crazy about Sirena.Logan attempted to diffuse the tension. ‘I understand this is difficult. I’ll give you all some time to think.’Naomi, however, wasn’t ready to let him off the hook. ‘Time won’t erase the past, Logan. You owe Sirena an honest conversation, not just legal papers.’Ralph, still seething with anger, added, ‘And don’t think we’ll let you hurt her again.’Logan acknowledged the hostility but wasn’t one to back down. ‘I get it. Take the time you need. But know that I’m going through with the divorce.’After Logan left, Sirena’s emotions erupted in a fit of frustration and despair.She threw her coffee mug across the room and shrieked.Naomi and Ralph rushed to her side, attempting to calm her down and provide comfort.‘Sirena, sweetheart, yo
Logan returned to the study.Ignoring the digital chaos on his computer, Logan decided to abandon ship.He retrieved his laptop to set up a makeshift workspace on the study desk.Before he settled into work, he sent a quick text to Alessia, updating her on the night’s adventures with the twins.Alessia replied with a curt ‘noted.’She was, in fact, in daily contact with the twins.The three of them had a chat group.It was Logan who was kept out of the loop.Later that night, as darkness wrapped around the city, Logan’s phone rang, stirring him out of sleep.Naomi’s name flashed on the screen, and with a sense of urgency, he answered.‘Logan! There’s been an emergency. Sirena... she tried to kill herself. She’s in the hospital.’Logan’s heart skipped a beat, and without a second thought, he rushed to the hospital, the streets a blur beneath the wheels of his car.Arriving at the hospital, Logan found Ralph and Naomi anxiously pacing the waiting area.Their eyes, a mix of worry and acc
Alessia smiled, grateful for her sister’s support. ‘Thanks, V. I appreciate that. How are things with you, though? Met anyone fun?’As the conversation shifted to lighter topics, Alessia decided that perhaps it was time to take a page from her sister’s book and get away from the city for a while.She took a quick shower, got dressed in pyjamas, then sat down in front of her desk to write an email.It was to her boss, Miss Hicks.In the morning, Alessia made her way to work.The bustling city around her seemed to mirror the chaotic state of her thoughts.Logan had assigned her a driver and a car, but she turned them down.As she stepped into the crowded subway car, she found herself pressed against a sea of strangers, the air heavy with a mix of scents and sounds.The train jolted unexpectedly, causing her to lose her balance and stumble into the person beside her.Alessia muttered a quick apology.However, instead of the usual understanding nods from fellow commuters, she was met with
‘Yeah, that’s exactly the way I reacted to the news,’ Veronica said. ‘I don’t know how she got my phone number, but she did. She called me about an hour ago, said she’s back in Veridian. She went to the old Jansen family residence but the house was empty.’Of course it was.Alessia and Veronica had moved out a long time ago, whereas Brayden and Connie, its current occupants, had taken up residence in the city’s detention centre.‘What does she want?’ Alessia asked.‘She’s been asking about you and wants to meet.’Alessia’s mind whirred with conflicting thoughts.Miranda, their elusive mother, had reappeared after all these years.Memories surfaced, echoing the unsettling details Connie had shared about their mother’s past.‘Dad divorced my mother and married yours,’ Connie had said. ‘Miranda only stayed with him long enough to give birth to you and Veronica, then eloped with another man the moment Dad fell sick.’And then she said something even more astonishing.The revelation that A
‘Why do I find that hard to believe?’ Alessia snorted.‘Why would I lie?’ Miranda sounded wounded.‘Because it’s your habit.’‘Do you have that little trust in me?’‘I barely know you.’Miranda threw up both hands, frustrated. ‘What can I do to make you believe me?’‘Nothing. And I think it’s best if you leave now.’‘You are chasing me out?’‘I’ve had a long day, and I’ve got work early in the morning.’‘Can’t I stay here?’ Saying that, Miranda couldn’t help scrunching up her nose as if smelling something foul.‘I’m afraid there’s no space here. And the place is obviously not up to your high standard.’Reluctantly, Miranda rose, her cup of coffee untouched. ‘I’ll be in touch.’‘I’d prefer if you won’t do that.’‘Oh, but Alessia, you are my daughter.’ Miranda batted her eyelashes. ‘How could I miss your wedding?’The way she said it left Alessia in no doubt—it was a promise, and a threat.The next day, Alessia picked up Milo and Arlie from Nova Heights Academy.The kids, always thrille
The hospital bustled with activity, nurses and doctors scurrying about, their footsteps echoing in the sterile halls.Visitors shuffled in and out, their hushed conversations a constant reminder of the life she desperately wanted to return to.As Sirena plotted her escape, she noticed a loose vent grille near the ceiling.She flung aside the quilt and stood on the bed, trying to reach the grille.Before she could examine her potential escape route, however, she heard the door lock beep.Quickly, she jumped down and laid back in bed, feigning sleep.The door slid open, and a doctor entered with a calm and composed demeanour.‘Hi, Sirena, how are you doing? I’m Dr Reynolds. I’m here to talk to you, to help you figure out your problems and provide the support you need.’‘I don’t need a shrink,’ Sirena said defiantly.‘Your Aunt Elaine is a friend of mine. She asked me to come. She’s worried about you.’ Dr Reynolds’ presence, though professional, carried an underlying warmth that aimed to
The security guards glanced up briefly but didn’t seem to pay her much attention.Now standing just outside the hospital, Sirena breathed in a lungful of air, tasting freedom.She glanced around for a means of transport.She had to act fast, before the hospital discovered she was gone and alerted her parents.***Alessia’s eyes fluttered open to the soft glow of morning light filtering through her curtains.She groggily reached for her phone, blinking away sleep, and checked the time.BuzzBeat awaited.A quick shower, a sleek power suit, and she was ready to face the day.Arriving at the office, she was greeted by a chorus of cheers.Colleagues surrounded her, their eyes dancing with excitement.Apparently, Albert’s announcement was still in the news.‘Congrats on the wedding, Alessia! We can’t wait!’They exchanged sly grins, fishing for an invitation.Alessia’s smile faltered.How could she tell them the wedding was off?Luckily, Lee’s arrival rescued her.The photographer handed Al
The city lights shimmered through the window, casting a soft glow over Alessia’s hotel room.She sank into the plush armchair, exhaling a weariness that settled deep into her bones.The day had been a whirlwind of interviews and deadlines, leaving her both physically and mentally drained.With a flick of her wrist, she loosened the tight bun that held her long hair, letting it cascade down her shoulders in unruly waves.The laptop on the polished mahogany table beckoned, a testament to the professional demands that consumed her day.Alessia leaned forward, fingers dancing across the keys as she organized her interview notes, a meticulous symphony of clicks and clacks.She paused, her gaze shifting to the phone by her side.Two missed calls from an unknown number flashed on the screen, and her heart skipped a beat.For a moment, hope surged through her—perhaps it was Logan.But as she listened to the voicemail, disappointment settled in.It was merely a wrong number, a mundane interrup
With the briefcase in hand, Logan left the office and got in his car.He did not involve Terence; the meeting could be dangerous.Besides, he had backup.Logan raced through the city streets, weaving through traffic with a desperate determination.The clock was ticking, and the warehouse loomed ahead like a dark, ominous secret.As he approached the entrance, the flickering neon lights buzzed overhead, casting eerie shadows on the crumbling walls.Logan stepped into the darkness, the echoes of his footsteps the only sound in the desolate space.A figure emerged from the shadows, wearing a hooded jacket to conceal their identity.Logan’s pulse quickened, his senses on high alert.‘I brought the money, now show me Sirena,’ he demanded, his voice steady but edged with a simmering rage.The figure chuckled, the sound echoing eerily through the cavernous space. ‘Impatient, aren’t we?’He pulled out a phone from his pocket.With a swift motion, he tapped the screen, and a small screen on th
The city lights glittered below as Alessia and Vince sat in a trendy rooftop bar in Hamborough, taking in the breathtaking view.The change of scenery had indeed granted Alessia a temporary escape from the complexities of her life back in Veridian.Alessia raised her glass, sipping a colourful cocktail. ‘Here’s to new beginnings and escaping the chaos,’ she said with a half-smile.Vince clinked his glass with hers. ‘To new beginnings,’ he echoed, a faint smile playing on his lips.As the evening unfolded, the atmosphere became more relaxed.The city buzzed around them, providing a backdrop for a momentary reprieve.Alessia found herself enjoying Vince’s company, appreciating the unspoken connection they had cultivated over the years.Amidst the clinking of glasses and the distant hum of the city, Alessia sensed an opportunity to share the intricacies of her life.She turned to Vince, her eyes reflecting a mixture of weariness and determination.‘You know, Vince, Logan’s first marriage
Logan’s office at Wilde Enterprises was a haven of order in contrast to the chaos unravelling in his personal life.The sterile hum of fluorescent lights bathed the room as he sifted through paperwork, attempting to find solace in the routine of his professional responsibilities.His phone buzzed, the screen lighting up with Heath’s name.Logan’s heart skipped a beat as he answered the call, the outside world fading away as he focused on the voice at the other end.‘Heath,’ Logan greeted, his tone carrying the weight of worry.‘We found her,’ Heath’s voice crackled through the phone. ‘She was at the BuzzBeat office. Got into a bit of a scuffle with Alessia.’Logan’s temples throbbed in response, the news striking him like a physical blow. ‘Alessia? Is she okay?’There was a pause on the line, and Logan could almost feel the hesitation in Heath’s response. ‘According to the colleague who filed the police report, she’s got a couple of scratches, but otherwise, she’s fine.’Relief washed
The room was cloaked in a muted glow from the bedside lamp, casting a warm light on the framed photographs that adorned the walls.Sirena moved silently, her eyes scanning each corner of her parents’ room as she began the meticulous search for anything of value.Ralph was still in intensive care, which meant Naomi wouldn’t leave his side, giving Sirena the time she needed for a thorough search.Her fingers brushed against the cool surface of a polished wooden dresser, adorned with small trinkets that echoed the laughter of her childhood.A porcelain figurine, a relic from a family vacation, stood alongside a faded picture of her parents and a much younger Sirena.The memories were bittersweet, a reminder of the life she had left behind.As Sirena opened drawers with deliberate care, the soft rustling of papers mixed with the creak of aged furniture.In one drawer, she found a stack of handwritten letters tied together with a ribbon.Memories of birthday wishes, expressions of love, an
The Veridian airport bustled with a kinetic energy that only a major transport hub could exude.Travellers weaved through the expansive terminal, navigating a sea of bustling crowds and rolling luggage.The air hummed with the constant murmur of announcements, the clatter of footsteps, and the intermittent symphony of departure gates chiming to life.Alessia, her eyes scanning the digital departure board, stood amidst the organized chaos.The Veridian airport, a sprawling architectural marvel, boasted high ceilings adorned with sleek modern designs.Concourse shops beckoned with an array of luxury goods, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air from the bustling cafes.It had been a long time since she flew—juggling a job and raising two kids hadn’t left a lot of time for the luxury of flying.‘Hey, I thought that was you.’ Someone tapped her on the shoulder.Alessia, startled, turned around to find Vince, a smile playing on his lips.‘Vince, what are you doing he
Naomi scoffed, bitterness lacing her tone. ‘Make things right? Can you bring back the peace we had before you barged in with your promises and complications?’Logan shook his head. ‘I can’t change the past, Naomi, but I can help with the present. Let me take care of Ralph’s medical bills. It’s the least I can do.’Her expression hardened, and she retorted, ‘Money won’t fix the damage you’ve caused. Sirena is missing, Ralph’s heart is failing, and our lives are in shambles. Don’t pretend you can fix it with a cheque.’Her words were still ringing in his head hours later.Logan stood on the roof, smoking, lost in thought, until his phone rang with an urgency that cut through the air like a serrated blade.He glanced at the caller ID, and a sinking feeling gripped his stomach as he answered.‘Logan, what the hell is going on?’ Albert’s voice, usually a bastion of calm, resonated with a furious edge. ‘Alessia called me, all cold and distant, calling me Mr Wilde instead of Grandpa. And she
‘Ralph! Naomi, call an ambulance!’ Logan’s urgency cut through the stunned silence, and Naomi, her face pale with shock, fumbled for her phone.Panic swirled in the room as Ralph clutched his chest, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.He toppled backwards.‘Ralph!’ Logan caught the old man in time.Within moments, the wail of an ambulance echoed through the quiet neighbourhood.Naomi and Logan hurriedly helped Ralph onto a stretcher, his face strained with agony.The ambulance doors slammed shut, trapping the trio in a suffocating bubble of uncertainty.The ambulance tore through the city’s arteries, its siren piercing.Inside, the confined space thrummed with urgency.Naomi clung to the edge of her seat, her eyes unblinking as she watched the paramedics work on her husband.Ralph lay supine on the stretcher—his heart just stopped.The heart monitor emitted a relentless warning beep.Naomi’s hands trembled as she tried to steady herself, the medical jargon exchanged by the paramed
Naomi stirred the simmering chicken soup, the aroma filling the kitchen with warmth.She glanced at Ralph, who was grabbing his keys.‘Ready to head to the hospital?’ he asked.‘Absolutely,’ Naomi replied, wiping her hands on her apron. ‘Hand me the thermos.’They were only allowed to visit Sirena once each day, the visit lasting no longer than half an hour.The doctor explained that the restricted visits were important to establish routine in Sirena’s life.As they prepared to leave, they heard a knock on the door.Surprised, they exchanged a puzzled glance before opening the door.Standing on their doorstep was Logan. ‘Can we talk?’Naomi and Ralph exchanged a wary look but nodded, allowing him inside.Logan took a deep breath, eyeing them both. ‘I’m sure you know why I’m here. I need Sirena to sign those divorce papers.’It had been almost three days since Sirena’s hospitalisation, and Logan had waited long enough.Naomi’s lips trembled. ‘Logan, we can’t believe you’ve moved on so